THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



Feb. circumventer of birds, it retards the opening of the 

 buds, and tends therefore to reduce injury from 

 frost. 



Frost and its Effects on Blossoms and Plants 



Speaking of frost, those who are forming new 

 gardens should bear in mind the conditions that make 

 for severe frost, and take care to avoid putting plants 

 that are likely to suffer the worst from frost into situa- 

 tions subjected to the greatest severity. Contrary to 

 general belief, moist vapour near the earth is a pre- 

 ventative of frost, and but for cold air sinking down 

 from higher altitudes the low level would be the safer. 

 Even as it is, it is generally fairly safe if there is a body 

 of water near. Without this the low site is certainly 

 dangerous. 



Sharp frost when the blossom is open is generally 

 disastrous. What we want is some kind fairy to spread 

 her gauzy robe over our fruit trees on those piercingly 

 clear nights when there is nothing to check the radia- 

 tion of moisture from the earth. Her lightest skirt 

 would serve the purpose as well as the clumsiest fabric 

 which we could fit up. But frost does not necessarily kill 

 even tender plants if they are thawed properly. The 

 way to thaw them with safety is to syringe them with 

 cold water in shade, not to put them into a sunny 

 place. 



Feb. FEBRUARY— First and Second Weeks 



1-14 



We must continue our work of soil preparation this 



month, and endeavour to complete all big alterations 

 or additions, such as making borders, rockeries, lawns, 

 paths, arches, pergolas, and fruit trellises. 

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